Lex29’s Body Forum

What up fam!!

Alright so by now we all know that Jay Cutler has regained his crown for the Mr. Olympia, defeating defending champ Dexter Jackson.  As a matter of fact, if I’m not mistaken "The Blade" came in third behind Branch Warren.  Now everyone that knows me knows that I’m a Dexter Jackson fan.  However, I can look at a contest objectively and say if he won or lost. 

I cant see it.  I can’t see how Dexter loses this contest, or for that matter comes in THIRD!!!  I think this is what drives most competitors crazy.  Its that they dont know what the judges are looking for.  Last yeat when he won the Mr. O, he stated that he didn’t think he would ever win simply because it seemed like it was a "freak" contest, more than a bodybuilding contest.  It seemed like the judges were only looking to see who could pack on the most muscle rather than who is more symetrical or astheticaly pleasing (Hope i spelt that right) 

But when he won it seemed like there was a change of gaurd.  It seemed like it wasn’t about just how big you were, but also if you were symetrical, conditioned, and balanced.  To me Jay still looked thick in the midsection, which gave him a boxy appearance.  I think the package that Branch bought to this olympia was his best ever, so I have no problem with him taking second.  However, I dont see Jay beating Dex for the title.  I think Dex still had the best conditioning, and overall balance of size. 

Curious about what everyone thinks.  Get at me!!

Peace!!

Calories - 3000; Fat - 122; Sodium - 1200; Carbs - 75; Protein - 375 

Hey Fam!!

Since I decided to shoot for my first competition sometime in 2010, I’ve had a new focus that I can honestly say i never had before.  My workouts have been more intense, utilizing shorter time frames.  Years back I would be in the gym for at least 1:30.  Today I’m in and out in under an hour.  I used to think that I knew it all, and that was my downfall.  The second you think you know everything is when you stop making gains.

Now with a new focus, and a goal in mind, i tear it up in the gym.  I love the progress that i am making.  But most importantly I love the knowledge I have received from others.  When you look at things from different angles you pick up on information that you otherwise would have missed.  My work ehtic has been noticed by other gym members, as they continously approach me with questions.  Its flattering, and as I believe i have lots to learn I will never dismiss anyone looking to attain some of what I might know. 

Bodybuilding is the greatest sport I have ever involved myself in.  I love the feeling of waking up in the morning sore, and hurting.  I actually look forward to it.  If one side hurts less than the other, then i gotta equal it up next time out.  I love the fact that its a 24/7 lifestyle.  Exercise, diet, rest, repeat.  You leave one phase out and you can pretty much kiss progress goodbye.  But when you see a body part growing, or you see veins in places you never saw before, or when you add an extra plate onto your exercise movement, that feeling of success is so moving, you cant wait to get it again. 

To those that may be struggling, I emplore you not to give up.  This is not a perfect science.  its a challenge.  You just have to step up to the plate and take you best swing.  The best part about this is that you have unlimited at bats.   

Peace!!

What up fam!!

Now most of ya’ll know me by now.  I’m as laid back as they come.  But when it comes to my workout, I’m all business.  When I’m in the gym, I am in my realm, my zone, my inner sanctom.  However, if I know you, or I see you on the regular, and you (for whatever reason) come over to give me a pound, say hi, or just whats up, I’m not an ass. . . so i will acknowledge you.

HOWEVER. . . If you come over and you have not seen the inside of a stick of deodarant, or have not touched soup since the election, do not be offended if I look at you side eyed!!

(Dam Lex whats up with that)  Well I’ll tell you.  I’m about 30 minutes deep into whats shaping up to be a great arm workout.  Shirts already wet, arms pumped, and I’m preparing for my last set of close grip bench presses.  This guy who I dont know,  and never saw before shouts out to me from about 15 feet away, "Whats good big man?"  I acknowledge him, "Everything is everything bruh."  Take a few more sips of my Xtend (shamless plug….scivation holla at me!!) and then set up under ther bar. . . and then the smell hits me.   My face went to instant WTF mode.  Got up from under the bar and looked up and there he was.  Holding his hand out for a pound but his aroma got to me about 15 seconds before he did. 

I was like damn how the hell you JUST got in here and you reaking like gym socks already.  I gave him his pound so he would be gone. . . thats when I hear "You need a spot"  HELL NO!!  Dont get me wrong fam, we all get a little musky every now and then, myself included, but this was just rediculous.  And dude was setting up for squats…lol.

Anyway, moral of this rant is. . . be courtious to your fellow gym mates.  Or if you dont give a F about the guys be nice to the ladies of the gym.  Otherwise you might just notice you have certain parts of the gym all to yourself. . .

Peace!

Calories - 2784g; Carbs - 78g; Fat - 53g; Sodium - 1116mg; Protein - 384g

Slowly but surely inching the calories back up above 2800.  Since i’ve been taking an account of what i eat, I’ve been able to calculate what calorie range I am most comfortable with.  Being that we are entering the cold weather months, I’m going to try and keep my calorie range in the mid 3000’s (3200-3500). 

I’m one that doesn’t believe in the traditional "bulking" process.  I believe that in order to gain quality muslce you need to get stronger.  And the way you get stronger is by getting back to the basics and lifting heavier.  (Deadlifts, Squats, Bench)  Eating a bunch of burgers or pizza, or pounding down 4 servings of protein in one shot isn’t the trick. 

I think (for my body at least) that by doing that you add more fat than actual muscle, and subsequently making it harder to diet down when you need to.  I am going to try and remain as lean as possible while putting on mass aka quality muscle.  We’ll see how it goes.

Peace!

Just looky looky what i found being served at a restauran in ATL, Georgia called The Vortex Bar & Grill.  Its called (and correctly so) the  “Double Coronary Burger”.  What’s inside you ask, well here’s your answer:

What’s inside: Not for the faint of stomach, this flame-broiled half-pound patty of premium ground sirloin is topped with Two fried eggs, four slices of American cheese, and 5 strips of crispy bacon, with two grilled American cheese sandwiches replacing the traditional buns and a big ole side of mayo.

Now I don’t know who exactly comes up with these type of menu options, but its clear that someone is running out of ideas.  At this point i have no words.  I just wanted to share.

Peace!!